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Black children and teens are more than twice as likely as white ones to consume sugar-rich fruit drinks on a given day, researchers reported in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. They say heavy consumption of sugary beverages has dropped among teens and young adults but has increased among 2- to 11-year-olds. Teen consumption of sports drinks has climbed as well, from 4% to 12%.

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The Tucson Unified School District in Arizona is making cakes and cookies with alternative ingredients, such as black beans and fruit, to reduce their sugar content. District dietitian Lindsay Aguilar said parents and schools want to find ways to limit sugar-laden snacks outside of regular meals.

Bananas and water offer athletes the ability to recover after strenuous exercise like sugar-laden energy drinks do, according to research from Dole's Nutrition Research Laboratory. The center plans longer-term studies using NASCAR pit crews as subjects, and also aims to study whether bromelain, a compound found in pineapples, has anti-inflammatory properties and aids in digestion, said Director Nick Gillitt.

Black children and teens are more than twice as likely as whites to consume sugar-rich fruit drinks on a given day, according to recent research. Researchers say heavy consumption of sugary beverages dropped among teens and young adults but increased among 2- to 11-year-olds. Teen consumption of sports drinks rose as well, from 4% to 12%.

Exposure to television commercials about sugary drinks among children and teens has doubled from 2008 to 2010, researchers at Yale University's Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity found. Hispanic and black children and teens especially saw more ads for sugar-rich and energy drinks than their white counterparts did.

More Americans are turning to antioxidant-rich beverages that claim to improve quality of life. Drinks that include omega-3 fatty acids, added proteins and cancer-fighting ingredients have gained popularity with consumers looking for alternatives to sugar-laden or carbonated beverages.